Monday, January 30, 2017

At a recent private whisky tasting, I enjoyed a number of malts and thought I would take the time to tell you about my impressions and that of the crowd.

Glen Breton Rare 10 years Single Malt
This Canadian single malt has been a poor performer in the past. When first launched there were a lot of problems, but I can report that when I and the crowd sampled it, we found it had improved a lot. It was good, not great though, and given the price point, I was not about to rush out a buy a bottle. However, I do see a bright future for this distillery. They are on the right track and just need more time to hone their craft.

Oban Little Bay Single Malt
This new release from the great distillery proved to taste lighter than the classic and always impressive Oban 14 years. Oban Little Bay was nice and oak accented, but given it was at the same price as Oban 14, I am always gonna reach for the latter. Crowd agreed.

Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt
This malt was the hit of the night. Everyone liked it. An Islay that balanced the sherry cask maturation with the peat and smoke of Islay beautifully. At an ABV of 54.2%, the addition of water is a must, but oh what a treat. Would happily buy this bottle!

Jura Superstition Single Malt
"Nose" (undiluted)

Slight peat, a wee smoke and grass clippings. Wet cedar bushes. Maritime. Do I see a clipper on the horizon?

"Palate" (undiluted)

A light bodied scotch serving up smooth tastes of angel hair weight peat, light malt and the gentlest of mint and phenolic compounds. Lightly smoked kippers. Do I detect sherry? Yes. Very restrained.

"Finish" (undiluted)

Ginger, camphor enveloped in mild corona cigar smoke. Becomes a tad medicinal upon repeated sips, but somehow does not prevent me from reaching for more.

We all liked it!

Glenmorangie Milsean Single Malt

We didn't know what to make of this expensive, no age statement single malt. It is well north of $100 a bottle. The distillery takes its great spirit and finishes it for two-and-a-half years in toasted ex-Portuguese-red-wine barriques. The result is a single malt that is not like anything I have had before. It definitely tasted of tropical fruit cup, sweet, mango, lemon, grapefruit, but also something else that is hard to identify. Must be the wine casks. There is a wood component that is unique and a bit baffling. Very different. A dessert whisky for sure. I was not a fan. It was not bad, but the flavor profile was not quite like anything I have ever had in the past. Others were also bewildered, but there were a couple of fans. Before buying a bottle, I recommend you sample a few drams at a bar or out of someone else's bottle before making the costly plunge.

Highland Park 10 Years Single Malt

Nobody even sampled it. They had it in the past and did not like it. Here is a You Tube review of mine where I lay out all the reasons why you shouldn't buy this malt: